BIOL 0056 - Biology: A Human Perspective

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/biol-0056/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 11 strongly recommended Hours: 54 lecture Description: Principles of biology and how they relate to humans. Emphasis on the human organism, including anatomy, physiology, medicine, research, genetics, evolution, ecology and human impacts on the environment. Not recommended for Biological Sciences majors or students who have completed BIOL 10 or BIOL 11. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Describe the structure and function of eukaryotic cells and their cellular processes. Compare structure and function of human body systems from chemical through system levels of organization. Explain the process of inheritance; how the genetic code determines cell structure and function, and the role it plays in evolutionary processes. Evaluate the past, present and future effect of human activities on ecological systems. Evaluate the biological, ethical, and social dimensions of current advancements in biotechnology. Course Content Outline I. Introduction to biology A. Scientific method (Obj. 1) B. Levels of organization (Obj. 2) C. Chemistry principles as it relates to living systems (Obj. 3 & 6) D. Homeostasis (Obj. 20) II. Cells A. Structure and function of cells and tissues (Obj. 4 & 18) B. Membrane transport (Obj. 5) C. Mitosis and Meiosis (Obj. 9) III. Energy concepts A. Principles of energy (Obj. 6) B. Enzymes (Obj. 7) C. Cellular Respiration and Fermentation (Obj. 6 & 8) IV. Genetics A. Structure and function of DNA and RNA (Obj. 9-11) B. Gene expression (Obj. 10) C. Mendelian inheritance and human genetics (Obj. 12-14) D. Biotechnology (Obj. 15 -16) V. Human Anatomy and Physiology A. Anatomical terminology (Obj. 17) B. Structure and function of organ systems (Obj. 19-21) 1. Integumentary 2. Digestion and nutrition 3. Cardiovascular system 4. Immunity and lymphatic system 5. Respiratory system 6. Urinary system and water balance 7. Skeletal and muscle systems 8. Endocrine system 9. Nervous system and senses 10. Reproductive system VI. Evolution (Obj. 22-25) VII. Ecology and sustainability (Obj. 25-26) Course Objectives Course Objectives 1. apply the processes of scientific inquiry to develop hypotheses, design experiments, and critically evaluate experimental design and scientific claims; 2. diagram the human levels of organization from molecular to ecosystem level; 3. describe the structure and function of inorganic and organic molecules in living cells; 4. outline the basic structure and function of cells and cellular components; 5. discuss the permeability properties of the cell membrane and factors influencing membrane transport; 6. examine the role of photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and decomposition in nutrient recycling and energy flow in ecosystems; 7. discuss the characteristics of enzymes and evaluate the various factors that affect enzyme activity; 8. compare lactic acid fermentation and aerobic respiration in terms of initial reactants, final products, cellular locations, and amount of ATP produced; 9. outline the steps involved in DNA replication and explain how genetic information is transmitted through cell division and sexual reproduction; 10. outline the steps involved in gene expression and explain how the genetic code determines cell function via gene regulation and protein synthesis; 11. correlate how mutations and errors in the cell cycle can lead to congenital disorders or disease; 12. formulate the Mendelian rules of genetics and solve genetics problems; 13. discuss how exceptions to Mendel’s rules apply to human genetics; 14. evaluate patterns of inheritance of human genetic disorders; 15. discuss the applications of genomics, proteomics, genetic engineering concepts and techiques; 16. evaluate the biological, ethical, and social dimensions of current advancements in biotechnology; 17. use anatomical terminology to describe body directions, regions, cavities, and structures; 18. categorize the four primary tissue types based on structure, function, and location in the human body; 19. describe the structure and functions of the human organ systems and the organs comprising each system; 20. apply the processes of homeostatic and feedback control mechanisms to explain how organ systems are regulated and integrated to maintain homeostasis; 21. evaluate human diseases and health issues by analyzing their causes, treatment options, and prevention; 22. discuss mechanisms leading to biological evolution by analyzing the relationship between genetics, heredity, adaptation, and the environment; 23. compare and contrast microevolution and macroevolution; 24. investigate evolutionary adaptations found in Homo sapiens; 25. assess aspects of sustainability and outline human dependence on natural resources and services; 26. evaluate past, present, and future effects of human activity and population growth on natural ecosystems. Methods of Evaluation Essay Examinations Objective Examinations Problem Solving Examinations Reports Reading Assignments 1. Students will be assigned to read the textbook chapter on cellular respiration and then answer the review questions at the end of the chapter. 2. Students will be assigned to read the article "How Cancer Arises" and then participate in an in-class and/or online class discussion about the causes of cancer. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. After reading the chapter Patterns of Inheritance solve the assigned genetics problem: Suppose two individuals heterozygous for freckles and a widow’s peak mate. F = freckles; f = no freckles. W = widow’s peak; w = straight hairline a. What is the probability that this couple has a child with neither freckles nor a widow's peak? b. What is the probability they have a child with freckles and a straight hairline? c. Show the Punnett square 2. Use the internet and library databases to search for one example of a credible scientific claim and one that would be considered pseudoscience or non-credible. In a written response, explain what makes your examples credible or not credible. What factors do you considered when evaluating these claims and what increased or decreased your confidence in the claim? Make sure to include the reference for your two examples. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.